Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-08-31
DESPERATE OUTLAWS
Defy a seerif-s Posse and Battle Eusues
After the Gang.

Defy a SeerlfTs Posse and Battle Ensues
After the Gang.
CHICAGO, August 30.-A Times special
from Houston, Texas, Wednesday last
says: Four of gang of horse thieves, which
has been making raids near here Tor some
time rode to Thompson's Switch, small
station - miles from Houston, mounted
on thoroughbred horses. They ordered
dinner, after which they got drunk, fired
off their pistols and terrified the inhabi-
tants and rode of in northerly direction.
On Saturday John Milford, farmer and
stockman Of Oppression, reported to Sheriff
Ellis that two OF his horses were stolen on
Thursday, and the thieves were still in
the vicinity OF the farm. Sheriff Ellis left
for NayOSata, organized posse, and started
after the outlaws. Yesterday morning two
men rode into Houston and notified Deputy
Sheriff Albert Erickson that the out
laws were camped at Eureka,
five miles from this city. Deputy
Erickson mounted horse and started for
the camp of outlaws: On arriving where
the outlaws were camped Erickson discov-
cred they had gone. After some time the
deputy found three men camped under
tree on the prairie He telegraphed to
Houston for assistance. A posse under
Captain Lubbock at once left for the scene
of action. On arriving at Eureka the posse
separated, Erickson and part Of the posse
proceeding in the direction of SmOGyville,
aud the remainder, under Lubbock, head
ing for the prairie. The latter posse soon
struck the trail, and in a short while
LOCATED THE OUTLAWS,
who we're still camped under the tree.
Lubbock then formed his in line about tif-
teen feet apart, and advising all to reserve
their fire until within thirty Yards of the
outlaws, began advancing toward the
camp. The outlaws seeing this, quickly
saddled their hOrsos and started at i quick
gallon. After riding few minutes the
leader Of the outlaws, riding n magnificent
roam charger, and having in his hat
black plume, threw his Winchester on his
arm, and slightly turning in his saddle,
began shooting, sending shot after shot at
the officers. Other outlaws, armed with
six shooters, also began firing. The posse
of Capt. Lubbock reserved fire until it was
evident the outlaws would reach the tim
Der. The command to fire at the robbers
was then given, and about forty
or fifty shots were exchanged.
the outlaws halting aud making a
desperate fight During the skirmish the
horse of Capt. Lubbock was killed. A
German named Kassner, living near
Hockey, was wounded in the arm by n
rifle ball. After the encounter Capt. Lub-
book returned to the city and another
party started in pursuit.
1t is learned that the Sergeant Of con-
yict camp, near Coillis, on the Internation-
al road, had pack of
BLOoDHoUNDs On THE TRAIL,
but withdrew them for fear outlaws would
kill them. From the peculiar method
that the outlaws had of lying low on
horses and wheeling in running and firing,
it is thought they were a part OF the old
Sam Bass gang who defed the State au-
thorities of Texas q few years ago. From
the large rolls of money displayed on their
visit and drunken spree at Thompson's
switch. it is thought they are the gang who
robbed the Southern Pacific train at
Flatonia in June. A dispatch was re-
ceived from Sheriff Ellis, at Cypress, last
night, stating that he was on hot trail
and expected to bag his game before day
light. The robbers are game and desper-
ate and bloody battle is expected should
they be discovered.